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ICC Keeps Duterte In Detention; Cites Flight Risk
Photo credit: ICC
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has denied the request of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte for interim release, ordering that he remain in detention as he faces charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial war on drugs.
In a decision dated October 10, 2025, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that Duterte continues to pose a flight risk and that his detention is necessary to ensure his presence during the pre-trial proceedings and possible trial.
The Chamber said Duterte’s political stature, influence, and network of supporters could enable him to evade justice if released. It also noted that his continued popularity, underscored by his election as mayor of Davao City in May 2025, reflects the strong backing he still enjoys, which may affect his compliance with court orders.
Duterte, who has been in ICC custody since early this year, faces multiple counts of murder and attempted murder linked to what prosecutors describe as a campaign of widespread and systematic attacks against civilians during his anti-drug crackdown from 2016 to 2022.
Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can impose imprisonment of up to 30 years, or life imprisonment in exceptional cases of extreme gravity.
The ruling was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera.
Pre-trial proceedings continue at The Hague — a case closely followed both in the Philippines and abroad for its implications on international accountability and justice.
In a decision dated October 10, 2025, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled that Duterte continues to pose a flight risk and that his detention is necessary to ensure his presence during the pre-trial proceedings and possible trial.
The Chamber said Duterte’s political stature, influence, and network of supporters could enable him to evade justice if released. It also noted that his continued popularity, underscored by his election as mayor of Davao City in May 2025, reflects the strong backing he still enjoys, which may affect his compliance with court orders.
Duterte, who has been in ICC custody since early this year, faces multiple counts of murder and attempted murder linked to what prosecutors describe as a campaign of widespread and systematic attacks against civilians during his anti-drug crackdown from 2016 to 2022.
Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can impose imprisonment of up to 30 years, or life imprisonment in exceptional cases of extreme gravity.
The ruling was signed by Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou, and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera.
Pre-trial proceedings continue at The Hague — a case closely followed both in the Philippines and abroad for its implications on international accountability and justice.
Oct 10, 2025
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